MMSC Alumni at Zoological Facilities

These two little seals have BIG NEWS to share! 

Both of our non-releasable grey seals have found permanent placement in zoological facilities and moved to their new homes in mid-September! You may recall that #22-060 (left) is visually impaired and unable to capture live fish, and #22-018 (right) has a cardiac condition that requires she be on medication for her entire life.  We are thrilled that both of these girls will be provided with lifelong expert veterinary care, enrichment, and the companionship of other seals in these two world-class zoological facilities. Both seals will be amazing ambassadors for their wild counterparts, helping to inspire people to care about seals and their ocean habitat. Stay tuned for more updates and announcements as they get settled into their new homes in the coming weeks!  

This female grey seal stranded in Ventnor on May 5th. She was suffering from multiple lacerations and a swollen jaw.  Her weight at intake was 43.8lbs.  She was admitted into the ICU for veterinary and supportive care. She is bright and alert, however there are behavioral indications that she has difficulty with her vision. Upon examination by MMSC's veterinarian, it was determined that this seal is visually impaired. She has a good feeding response when presented with food by the Technicians, however she has difficulty locating fish in her pool, and is also unable to track and capture live fish. Despite being blind, she is very active and eating very well.  

Update June 28- Due to the extent of Grey seal #22-060's visual impairment and her inability to capture prey, her capacity to survive in the wild is extremely limited.  Based on her diagnosis, she has been deemed non-releasable, and MMSC is currently working with NOAA and NMFS to find permanent placement for her in a zoological facility that can provide her with lifelong care and enrichment.  She has transitioned to hand-feeding by the Technicians, and was even able to be moved to our large exercise pool. She is doing well exploring her new habitat and learning basic behaviors to help with her daily care.

This female grey seal stranded in Ship Bottom on March 15th,  lethargic and suffering from multiple small puncture wounds on her body and head.  Her weight at intake was 40lbs.  She was admitted to the Pool House for her initial veterinary and supportive care, then later transferred to the ICU. She is currently eating on her own.

Update April 6th-  Grey seal #22-018  is making slower progress than normal through the rehabilitation process. MMSC's veterinarian  consulted with colleagues at Rancocas Veterinary Associates and Veterinary Cardiology Services. After a comprehensive exam using advanced diagnostic techniques,  the seal was diagnosed with heart issues.  The veterinary team prescribed a treatment plan with medication to help control her cardiac conditions.

Update June 28- With medication the seal's symptoms have improved.  She has become much more active and alert, and is eating better.  The veterinary team has concluded that she will need to be on medication for her entire life. These cardiac conditions make her chances of being able to survive in the wild not likely to be successful.  Based on her diagnosis, Grey seal #22-018 has been deemed non-releasable, and MMSC is currently working with NOAA  and NMFS to find permanent placement for her in a zoological facility that can provide her with lifelong care and enrichment.  She is doing well with the transition to hand-feeding by the Technicians.